Witkoppen Clinic staff share their learning experiences in a pandemic
WITKOPPEN – There have been some negative and positive aspects to working during the lockdown forced by the global Covid-19 pandemic for one healthcare worker at the clinic.
In 2020, the world came to a standstill with the progression of the Covid-19 global pandemic, with healthcare workers sacrificing their lives to save millions.
In South Africa, nurses and doctors worked tirelessly around the clock to save and help patients recover, even with a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Witkoppen Clinic is no exception. One of these healthcare workers is the head of the tuberculosis department at the clinic, Lawrence Mlotshwa.
Mlotshwa described working in the clinic during a pandemic as ‘extremely hard for healthcare providers’ due to emotional distress. He, a father of one, has had to voluntarily and involuntarily spend less time with his daughter as to potentially not infect her. “We had to adjust to a new normal. That included wearing the N95 mask throughout the entire day. There was a lot fear and anxiety in that we may infect a patient or a family member. There was a lot of emotional distress,” he said.
Mlotshwa spoke on some challenges the staff has had throughout lockdown. “As a health worker, there were definitely challenges we faced. “An increased workload was one, especially when some colleagues had to quarantine because they were infected. The national shortage of PPEs was another challenge. “Using PPEs now is not an option. Before, we were lenient and only using masks within the TB or infections department. Now we have to use them everywhere.”
Giving of oneself to help contain the spread of the pandemic means also sacrificing annual leave days which had also become a new normal, according to Mlotshwa. However, while there were negative aspects that came with the pandemic such as the loss of patients’ and loved ones’ lives, Mlotshwa added that there were still some positive moments in these difficult times.
“There have been some positives in that we as the clinical staff showed a united front – our relationships around the clinic and with patients. “This experience has definitely been a learning journey for all of us, so we would be ready if something like this were to ever happen again. “With us learning so much, we were forced to grow and step out of our comfort zones.”
Mlotshwa advised the public that this was not the time for people to be complacent. “Everyone, especially the youth needs to be careful. This monster is still here with us and there is no time for complacency. We need to continue upholding the protocols currently put in place. We need to be responsible.
“In people looking after themselves and adhering to restrictions, they are protecting their families and us who are supposed to provide care for them. Reduce drinking or reduce and or quit smoking, and do regular exercise to keep your immune system healthy.”
